Cope with a new schedule

When you bring your new baby home, there will be times when you think you’ll never get to sleep again. While you wait, try to get as much rest and sleep as you can. The baby won’t sleep through the night for at least a few weeks and maybe even longer. You won’t be able to sleep through the night until she gets used to the day and night routine.

Try to sleep when she does until she can sleep through the night. Many new moms try to do everything at once. When the baby goes down for a nap, they clean or do the laundry. Trying to be a supermom will only make you more tired.

During the first few weeks, if you can get help with cleaning and laundry, do it. If a friend or family member can watch the baby for an afternoon so you can get some much-needed sleep, try to do that as often as possible.

When you’ve been busy all day taking care of a new baby, doing housework, and maybe even looking after older kids, it can be hard to wind down just because everyone else is asleep.

Set up some habits to help you relax at night. Take a warm bath (but not too hot, because hot water can be exciting) and play some music that makes you feel calm. Even if you aren’t nursing, you should stay away from coffee all day and especially at night. You can drink water, green tea, or tea without caffeine. Try to stay away from foods with a lot of preservatives or salt if they make you nervous. Try to eat foods that are as close to nature as possible, like salads, green veggies, fruits, and warm, healthy soups.

As soon as you can, try to walk for a few minutes every day. Fresh air and light exercise will help you and your baby feel more relaxed, which can make it easier to fall asleep at night.